Siri’s Eyes Free Integration coming to Chevy Sonic LTZ / RS and Spark

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,

GM is the first to announce Siri integration with two new car models: the Chevrolet Spark and the Sonic Drive. The feature was dubbed "Eyes Free" and was announced at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June by former iOS chief, Scott Forstall.  Basically, "Eyes Free" will be integrated via the car's Bluetooth functionality and the iPhone itself. The user can then initiate Siri's voice command by tapping a button on the steering wheel, and Siri's responses will be played over the car's audio system. Other car manufacturers such as Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Jaguar, Audi, Land rover, GM, BMW and Mercedes are slated to incorporate Siri's "Eyes Free" as well.  Check out the full press release after the break.

Click to continue reading Siri’s Eyes Free Integration coming to Chevy Sonic LTZ / RS and Spark

Read More | GM

Apple’s new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Corporate News, PC / Laptop,

Finally, the all new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday, November 30th. Check out Apple's press release with spec and prices after the jump.

iMac Available on November 30

CUPERTINO, California―November 27, 2012―Apple® today announced the all-new iMac® will be available on Friday, November 30. Featuring a stunning design, brilliant display with reduced reflection, faster processors and an innovative new storage option called Fusion Drive, the new iMac is the most advanced desktop Apple has ever made. The 21.5-inch iMac will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 27-inch iMac will be available for order through the Apple Online Store and will begin shipping in December.

Click to continue reading Apple’s new redesigned iMac goes on sale this Friday

Read More | iMac product page

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Knomo Saxby Business Tote

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wearables, Features, Men, Techies, Under $250, Under $50, Under $500,

We've given a bunch of gadget recommendations in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, and now it's time we mention a fantastic bag to carry them all. This year we recommend the Knomo Saxby Business Tote. We've been using it over the past few months, and it's fantastic. The Saxby has a bunch of pockets, allowing you to appropriately separate things like your iPad from your notebook, and having neither of them come in contact with your keys or pens, thanks to its 4 exterior pockets, 2 interior pouch pockets, 1 interior zip pocket, and 1 interior padded laptop pocket. The size is great, and the look is really classy too (we went with the shiny navy, but you can also get it in matte black, gray, and slate.) Knomo makes high-quality, well-made bags, and this is as fine a laptop bag as you'll find. You can pick up the Knomo Saxby on Amazon starting at $119.99.

Read More | Knomo Saxby Business Tote

Microsoft Store Cyber Monday deals focus on PC, tablets, Xbox 360

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Video Games,

The Microsoft Store has a bunch of great Cyber Monday deals today, and we figured we'd help highlight some of the best. If you're looking for a Windows 8 tablet, PC, or cheap Xbox 360 and PC games for you or a loved one, check these deals out:

• Save $100 on Acer Iconia
• Save $200 on Asus Vivobook S400
• Save $250 on Vizio 14" ultrabook
• Save over $100 on Xbox 360 250GB Kinect Sports Joy Ride bundle
• Xbox 360 and PC games discounted to $9.99

Read More | Microsoft Store Cyber Monday Deals

Target offering Cyber Monday and Cyber Week deals

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cameras, Handhelds, HDTV, Hot Deals, Smart Home, Video Games,

Target is following up its Black Friday deals week with Cyber Monday Deals Week. All week long, Target will be featuring some killer deals in its Cyber Week section, and we're already seeing some nice discounts, particularly on video games and consumer electronics. Here's a sampling:

• Westinghouse 46" 1080p LCD HDTV - $379.99
• Save 25% on all Dyson vacuums
• Acer Aspire One - $199.99
• Nikon COOLPIX S3300 - $79.99
• Buy one, get one 50% off on select video games

Read More | Target Cyber Monday & Cyber Week sales

Cyber Monday Deal of the Day: Amazon Kindle Fire for $129

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals,

Amazon is selling the Kindle Fire at a $30 discount for Cyber Monday today, and that's good enough to make that our Deal of the Day. That brings the price down to $129, rather than the typical $159 price tag--a great price for a tablet as functional as the Fire. Purchasers of the Kindle Fire also get a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, which'll let you get a nice sampling of what the company's Video on Demand service offers. Other services you can access from the Fire include Amazon's Android Appstore, Kindle books, a host of magazines, Cloud Drive, Cloud Player, and the Amazon MP3 service. To get the deal, enter the promo code FIREDEAL at checkout--Amazon is only allowing one sale per customer.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals, or you can Like TechPromos on Facebook.

Read More | Kindle Fire Cyber Monday Deal

Google planning to release AirPlay alternative

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Home Entertainment, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi,

Rumor has it that Google is about to take on Apple's AirPlay with an open version of its own. So, it appears that DNLA and Miracast functionality is not enough for the Mountain View web search giant. No wonder, as both features are somewhat of a bag of hurt and have received lackluster reviews. 

Google will attempt to get other venders to adopt its open streaming alternative and, perhaps, have the same huge success that AirPlay is having with customers. Apple has had vendors like Denon, Panasonic, JBL, Pioneer, Philips, Yamaha, Logitiech, iHome and Bower & Wilkins, to name a few, that have integrated AirPlay functionality into consumer products.

Click to continue reading Google planning to release AirPlay alternative

Read More | Gigaom

will.i.am to release 14 megapixel iPhone camera attachment

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Accessories, Apple, Cameras,

Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame apparently doesn't think his iPhone is smart enough, so he's planning to do something about it. He's even received a development license from Apple to produce and sell what he claims will turn the iPhone into a "genius phone" under his new i.am+ brand.

We have our own sensor and a better flash. You dock your phone into our device and it turns your smartphone into a genius-phone. We take over the camera...

"I was just hanging out [after a photo shoot], and one of the models took an iPhone picture, which circulated the planet before the shoot was even over... I took one of the photographer's lenses and held it up on my [phone] and said "imagine this one day". Then I said: "I'm going to do this"."

The camera attachment will clips onto the iPhone, bumping the 8 megapixel camera to 14 megapixels. A website is currently being produced (www.i.am) where users will be able to create profiles and assumedly share pictures and other content created with Will.i.am's app.

I.am+ is scheduled to make it's debut in London later this week, where pricing will also be announced.

Read More | The Telegraph

iPad mini leads in Black Friday sales

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Hot Deals,

Notable Highlights:

• 15.3% of online sales were mobile.
• iPad made up 9.8% of purchases made.
• iPhone made up 8.7% of purchases made.
• Android devices made up 5.5% purchases made.
• 20.7% increase of online shopping.
• 11:45 EST was the peaked shopping time.
• $181.22 was the average order value spent.
• Department stores grew 16.8% over Black Friday 2011
• 58% of consumers used smartphones to shop for deals.
• 41% of consumers used tablets to shop for deals.

Full breakdown after the jump.

Click to continue reading iPad mini leads in Black Friday sales

Read More | IBM

Google and Developers Discount App Prices through Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Google, Hot Deals, Software,

For techies, the Black Friday deals are just beginning. Google and other app creators are looking to extend the Black Friday madness into the Thanksgiving weekend, with deals on a wide range of apps and media.

Android apps are especially discounted, with apps like SwiftKey 3, Shadowgun, and Documents To Go among the cheapest, but there's no shortage of deals in categories across the board. You'll also find some nice deals on books, movies and music, from Diana Krall to Kendrick Lamar. Head on over to Google Play to check out all the deals on the apps you wish you had.

Read More | Google Play